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101 things to do in London for music fans

From legendary venues to iconic music landmarks, the capital is buzzing with a rich music culture.

There is an incredible array of things to do in London for music fans: check out world-class music festivals, spot new talent at cheap gigs in London and stand where some of London's brightest stars have performed their era-defining hits.

Top London music festivals

1. Discover a mix of new and emerging rock‘n’roll artists during Camden Rocks Festival.
2. Listen to some of the hottest up-and-coming talent at Bushstock in Shepherd’s Bush.
3. Admire the spectacular sounds of all things jazz, blues and soul during the EFG London Jazz Festival.
4. Be dazzled by one of the biggest classical music festivals in the world with BBC Proms.
5. Catch a fantastic series of concerts in a beautiful setting with Kew the Music.
6. See some of the biggest names in dance, hip-hop and pop music at Lovebox in Victoria Park.
7. Head to one of the coolest summer music festivals in London, Field Day.
8. Enjoy a stellar line-up of indie acts, music-themed activities and street food at Citadel.
9. Find a series of concerts from rising artists and big-name acts at British Summer Time Hyde Park.
10. Dance to the hottest talent from the electronic music scene at South West Four.

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Best music shops in London

31. Search for second-hand records, tapes and CDs at Reckless Records.
32. Pick up some trendy new threads from Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher’s clothing store, Pretty Green.
33. Discover a huge variety of music merchandise and live gigs at legendary Rough Trade East, where artists including Blur and Queens of the Stone Age have performed.
34. Bag yourself original The Beatles memorabilia including records, posters and autographs at the London Beatles Store.
35. Browse the shelves of huge flagship HMVstore on Oxford Street, which played an important role in helping The Beatles land their first record deal.
36. Discover a treasure chest of folk and Celtic musical instruments at Hobgoblin Music.
37. Hunt for new, second-hand and rare music at the iconic Sister Raystore, which first started as a record stall in Camden.
38. Find vintage ukuleles, banjos and other musical instruments at Duke of Uke.
39. Look for everything from soul and jazz to reggae music at Honest Jon's Records.
40. Visit Sounds of the Universe for a wide-ranging collection of vinyl records, CDs and other cool music merchandise.

London's musical heritage

41. Visit the legendary BBC Maida Vale Studios, and then browse former BBC studio K West Hotel & Spa’s library dedicated to artists who recorded music at the hotel.
42. Recreate The Beatles' world-famous album cover at the Abbey Road zebra crossing.
43. Wander along vibrant Denmark Street in Soho, otherwise known as "Tin Pan Alley" for its incredible collection of musical instrument shops.
44. Search for famous music video locations across London from Wannabe by Spice Girls' at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London to The Kids Are Alright by The Who in Hyde Park.
45. Make sure to look out blue plaques celebrating some of London’s most famous musicians, which are dotted across the city.
46. Take a stroll down Berwick Street which is famed for its independent record shops, and is also where the album cover for Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? was shot.
47. Explore trendy shopping street King's Road - a popular haunt of the Rolling Stones and home to Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McClaren’s punk shop.
48. Drop by the former London homes of big-name artists, from Freddie Mercury’s residence at 1 Logan Place to 34 Montagu Square, which was home to John Lennon.
49. Learn about the era-defining works of two of the world’s greatest musicians at Handel & Hendrix in London.
50. Discover more of London’s incredible musical heritage and landmarks.

Iconic music venues in London

51. Drop by the iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Clubin Soho, which has welcomed a host of jazz legends including Stan Getz, Ella Fitzgerald and Buddy Rich.
52. Grab a pint at The Dublin Castle, where Blur, Coldplay and The Killers all once performed.
53. Trace London's incredible music history at 100 Club; this legendary venue has seen performances from Sex Pistols, The Kinks and The Clash.
54. Follow in the footsteps of music legends Prince, Joy Division, The Smiths and Madness during an evening at Camden’s much-loved Electric Ballroom.
55. Discover the spot where Bob Dylan played his debut London show at The Troubadour.
56. Hangout at The Borderline in Soho whose past performers include R.E.M, Oasis and the Rolling Stones – you might even spot the next hottest artist!
57. Look inside the London music venue which helped spark the UK punk rock movement, The Roundhouse.
58. Visit the former site of historic Marquee Club at 90 Wardour Street, where legendary rock'n’roll artists from The Who to Pink Floyd graced the London stage.
59. Step inside the London music venue which hosted Madonna’s first UK show, KOKO.
60. Stop off at Camden Assembly, formerly known as The Barfly, to see the venue which helped Coldplay, Franz Ferdinand and Oasis make it big.

London areas for music Lovers

61. Explore David Bowie’s home neighbourhood of Brixton; stroll down Electric Avenue, rock out at O2 Academy Brixton and pay your respects at the Bowie mural tribute on Brixton Road.
62. Hop on a cable car over to Greenwich to see world-class performers at The O2.
63. Stop by the buzzing area of Camden to recreate The Clash’s debut album cover at the famous staircase in Camden Market, and see amazing street art tributes to Amy Winehouse.
64. Wander around the streets of Notting Hill, which has links to Caribbean culture, music and traditions.
65. Step into one of London’s coolest music hubs, Soho. Admire Carnaby’s swinging 60s heritage, drop by former site of legendary 2i’s Coffee Bar and see where the Rolling Stones recorded their first album at Regent Sounds.
66. Experience a taste of east London’s underground grime culture, made famous by Wretch 32, Stormzy and Skepta, at Visions Video Bar or Born & Bred Festival.
67. Head to the Southbank Centre which boasts the Royal Festival Hall and a series of exciting festivals.
68. Be wowed by a stunning programme of music, theatre and dance at Barbican in the City of London, which is also the home of London Symphony Orchestra.
69. Amble around the picture-pretty streets of Covent Garden, where you’ll find the spectacular Royal Opera House.
70. Seek out iconic musical spots in London’s West End: visit the Ziggy Stardust plaque at 23 Heddon Street, Wigmore Hall, or The Cumberland, which has a suite dedicated to Jimi Hendrix.

Cool London music venues

71. Watch performances from up-and-coming musicians at Tooting Tram & Social.
72. Tap your feet along to a fantastic line-up of bands at The Lexington.
73. Head to The Half Moon for a talent-packed programme of live music and entertainment.
74. Find live music from super-talented artists every night at Ain’t Nothing But Blues… bar in Soho.
75. Catch a cool collection of concerts, club nights and DJs at Village Underground.
76. Look out for rising stars during open mic night at The Spice of Life.
77. Boogie to the sounds of live blues, rhythm and jazz music at The Blues Kitchen.
78. Request your favourite tunes at The Piano Works - the only non-stop live music venue in London.
79. Listen to new music at Hope & Anchor, which was one of the leading venues in the 1970s punk movement.
80. Hear everything from folk and blues to country music at Green Note in Camden.

Hidden gems for music fans

81. See stunning street art tributes which pay respect to some of the world's greatest musicians across London.
82. Lose yourself in the beautiful sounds of a live choir at a free Choral Evensong concert.
83. Look out for multi-talented buskers performing at LondonUnderground Stations.
84. Venture into The Vault at Hard Rock Cafe to discover music memorabilia from across the globe.
85. Discover a new side of London through music created by local artists with Musicity.
86. Go to top-secret gigs in London with Sofar Sounds.
87. Journey below the river-level of the Thames for a one-of-kind concert in Tower Bridge’s bascule chambers with the Totally Thames Festival.
88. Feel like a rock star during a hearty gentlemen’s afternoon tea at Sanctum Soho Hotel, before catching a live performance.
89. Treat your ears to some beautiful entertainment at Wilton’s Music Hall – the world's oldest surviving musical hall.
90. Explore the Horniman Museum’s fascinating collection of more than 8,000 musical instruments.

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